Taxonomic diversity of racerunners with descriptions of two new Eremias species (Sauria: Lacertidae) from Central Iran.

We provide a diversity assessment of Iranian species of the genus Eremias based on the cytochrome oxidase I mtDNA gene fragment. We analyzed 93 genetic samples from the entire distribution of the Eremias fasciata species complex in Iran and surrounding regions, along with morphological data to support the description of two new species from Central Iran. We hypothesize that the diversification of the Eremias fasciata species complex was largely influenced by the fragmentation of sand massifs in the region.

Karyotype and reproductive traits of the unique symbiotic mealybug G.-Z. (Homoptera, Coccinea).

The karyotype and reproductive features of Gavrilov-Zimin, 2017 (Pseudococcidae) were studied for the first time. Diploid chromosome number is 18 in females. Reproduction is probably bisexual, as indicated by the presence of characteristic Lecanoid heterochromatinization of the paternal set of chromosomes in embryonic cells of about 50% of the embryos studied.

Phylogeography of Two Enigmatic Sulphur Butterflies, Alphéraky, 1897 and Staudinger, 1897 (Lepidoptera, Pieridae), with Relations to Infection.

The genus Fabricius, 1807 includes numerous taxa and forms with uncertain status and taxonomic position. Among such taxa are Alphéraky, 1897 and Staudinger, 1897, interpreted in the literature either as conspecific forms, as subspecies of different but morphologically somewhat similar species or as distinct species-level taxa. Based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, we reconstructed a phylogeographic pattern of the taxa in question.

Taxonomic Structure and Wing Pattern Evolution in the Species Complex (Lepidoptera, Papilionidae).

In our study, using the analysis of DNA barcodes and morphology (wing color, male genitalia, and female sphragis shape), we show that the group of species close to comprises the western and eastern phylogenetic lineages. The eastern lineage includes , and . The western lineage includes three morphologically similar species: (Western Eurasia), (southwestern Europe), and .

Ancient reproductive modes and criteria of multicellularity.

It is demonstrated that the initial method of fertilization in animals (Metazoa), embryophyte plants (Embryophyta), most groups of multicellular oogamous algae, oogamous and pseudoogamous multicellular fungi was internal fertilization (in the broad meaning) in/on the body of a maternal organism. Accordingly, during the bisexual process, the initial method of formation of a daughter multicellular organism in animals was viviparity, and in embryophyte plants and most groups of oogamous multicellular algae - the germination of a zygote in/on the body of maternal organism. The reproductive criteria of multicellularity are proposed and discussed.

Deuterogyny and the Association of Two Vagrant Eriophyoid Mites (Acariformes, Eriophyoidea) with the Host-plant Generative Organs of Two Broad-leaved Trees in North-West Russia.

Phytoparasitic mites of the superfamily Eriophyoidea Nalepa live and feed on mature leaf surfaces, between leaf bud scales, and (though less commonly) on flowers or fruits. In this study, we focused on the seasonal associations of two eriophyoid species, (Nalepa 1892) with the Norway maple tree ( L.), and Manson 1984 with the common oak ( L.

Phylogenetic Structure Revealed through Combining DNA Barcodes with Multi-Gene Data for Blue Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae).

The need for multi-gene analysis in evolutionary and taxonomic studies is generally accepted. However, the sequencing of multiple genes is not always possible. For various reasons, short mitochondrial DNA barcodes are the only source of molecular information for some species in many genera, although multi-locus data are available for other species of the same genera.

Ultrastructure of the female pedal gonad in Phoxichilidium femoratum (Chelicerata, Pycnogonida).

Phoxichilidium femoratum is a common species of sea spiders - a small and unique group of chelicerates with unusual adult anatomy. In particular, substantial parts of the reproductive system in pycnogonids (unlike euchelicerates) are located in the appendages. Existing studies of pycnogonid gonads are often limited to light-microscopic level, cover a small range of species, and focus on the contents of the gonad diverticula.

On the way from Asia to America: eutriconodontan mammals from the Early Cretaceous of Yakutia, Russia.

Eutriconodonta are an important group of early crown mammals with a wide distribution in the Jurassic-Cretaceous of the Northern Hemisphere and few occurrences in the Southern Hemisphere. Three taxa of eutriconodontans are known from the Early Cretaceous high-latitude Teete vertebrate assemblage in Yakutia, Russia: Sangarotherium aquilonium (Eutriconodonta incertae sedis), Gobiconodon sp. A (large), and Gobiconodon sp.

Investigations into the Melitaea ornata species complex in the Levant: M. telona and the newly erected species Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).

Melitaea klili Benyamini, 2021 was recently described from Israel as a species closely related to M. telona Fruhstorfer, 1908, but different in phenology, ecological preferences and with an allopatric distribution. Here, based on comparative examinations of mitochondrial DNA-barcodes, male genitalia and larval behaviour under laboratory conditions, we synonymize M.

A review of Asian species of the genus Platymetopus (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Harpalini).

Based on the examined material and literature data, the Asian fauna of the genus Platymetopus Dejean, 1829 includes four species endemic to the Oriental region and East Asia, and one subspecies of the Afrotropical P. figuratus Boheman, 1848 (P. f.

A new synonym of Bathseba Motschulsky, 1866 (Chrysomelidae, Eumolpinae, Typophorini) with a new species and redescription of B. bifasciata (Jacoby, 1895) n. comb. and other taxonomic and biological notes.

Tricliona Lefèvre, 1885 n. syn. is a new junior synonym of Bathseba Motschulsky, 1866.

Redescription of Eidophasia concinnella Christoph, 1888 (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae), with the designation of a lectotype.

Eidophasia concinnella Christoph, 1888 is redescribed and illustrated, and a lectotype is designated. A diagnostic summary with illustrations of the female genitalia is given for E. concinnella and its two most similar congeners, E.

The structural analysis of secretion in the freshwater mite Limnesia maculata (Acariformes, Limnesiidae) supports the idea of a new form of arthropod silk.

The structural characteristics of silk secretion of the freshwater mite Limnesia maculata (O.F. Müller) (Acariformes, Limnesiidae) are described and analyzed for the first time based on light, atomic force and electron-microscopical approaches.

Integrative Taxonomy of the Gall Mite n. sp. (Eriophyidae) from the Disjunct Afro-Australasian Fern : Morphology, Phylogeny, and Mitogenomics.

Eriophyoidea is a group of phytoparasitic mites with poorly resolved phylogeny. Previous studies inferred Eriophyidae s.l.

More hidden diversity in a cryptic species complex: a new subspecies of (Lepidoptera, Pieridae) from Northern Iran.

A new subspecies of from Northern Iran, discovered by means of DNA barcoding, is described as The new subspecies is allopatric with respect to other populations of and is genetically distinct, appearing as a well-supported sister clade to all other populations in COI-based phylogenetic reconstructions. Details on karyotype, genitalia, ecology and behaviour for the new subspecies are given and a biogeographical speciation scenario is proposed.

Chromosomal conservatism vs chromosomal megaevolution: enigma of karyotypic evolution in Lepidoptera.

In the evolution of many organisms, periods of slow genome reorganization (= chromosomal conservatism) are interrupted by bursts of numerous chromosomal changes (= chromosomal megaevolution). Using comparative analysis of chromosome-level genome assemblies, we investigated these processes in blue butterflies (Lycaenidae). We demonstrate that the phase of chromosome number conservatism is characterized by the stability of most autosomes and dynamic evolution of the sex chromosome Z, resulting in multiple variants of NeoZ chromosomes due to autosome-sex chromosome fusions.

The Invasive Caucasian Populations of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) Rapidly Adapt Their Ecophysiological Traits to the Local Environmental Conditions.

The ability to rapidly adapt to new environmental conditions is a crucial prerequisite for the wide-scale invasion of pests or intentional introduction of beneficial insects. A photoperiodically induced facultative winter diapause is an important adaptation ensuring synchronization of insect development and reproduction with the local seasonal dynamics of environmental factors. We conducted a laboratory study aimed to compare photoperiodic responses of two invasive Caucasian populations of the brown marmorated stink bug (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), which recently invaded neighboring regions with subtropical (Sukhum, Abkhazia) and temperate (Abinsk, Russia) climates.

Histamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid in the nervous system of Pygospio elegans (Annelida: Spionidae): structure and recovery during reparative regeneration.

Background: In recent two decades, studies of the annelid nervous systems were revolutionized by modern cell labeling techniques and state-of-the-art microscopy techniques. However, there are still huge gaps in our knowledge on the organization and functioning of their nervous system. Most of the recent studies have focused on the distribution of serotonin and FMRFamide, while the data about many other basic neurotransmitters such as histamine (HA) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are scarce.

DNA Barcoding of the Palaearctic Elfin Butterflies (Lepidoptera, Lycaenidae) with a Description of Four New Species from Vietnam.

Phylogenetic analysis is provided for the first time for 12 species of Palaearctic elfin butterflies, members of the previously recognized genera Bryk, 1947, Johnson, 1992, and Johnson, 1992, based on the barcoding region of the mitochondrial gene (). Comparison of the barcodes revealed very low levels of genetic divergence between the species of the Palaearctic elfin butterflies and Billberg, 1820 sensu stricto. -based phylogeny revealed that Palaearctic and the Palaearctic elfin butterflies, except , are polyphyletic.

New species of the genus Eupithecia (Lepidoptera, Geometridae) from China. Part VIII.

In this eighth part of this series, six new species of Eupithecia are described from China: Eupithecia galsworthyi sp. n., Eupithecia fossaria sp.

Revision of the types of the genus Rhamphomyia species (Diptera, Empididae) described by R. Frey from the collection of the Zoological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg.

Type material for 36 species of the genus Rhamphomyia Meigen described by R. Frey from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg is discussed.